By Staff Correspondent
On February 28, 2025, Safran, a global leader in defence, aerospace, and space technologies, took a significant leap in its commitment to India by inaugurating its second office at Worldmark 2, Aerocity, New Delhi. This strategic development not only underpins Safran’s enduring partnership with India but also aligns seamlessly with the country’s “Make in India” initiative and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). The event was officiated by Thierry Mathou, France’s Ambassador to India, and JS Gavankar, CEO and Country Head of Safran India, further solidifying the French-Indian collaboration in the aerospace and defence sectors.
The establishment of this modern facility signifies Safran’s intent to deepen its presence in India, a nation that boasts one of the fastest-growing aerospace markets globally. The office will primarily host Safran’s Civil Aviation and Military Support Services teams, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and facilitating improved collaboration with Indian airlines and defence clientele. For Safran, this move is not just about geographical expansion; it underscores its broader commitment to contribute to India’s self-reliance in aerospace and defence technologies by enhancing local industrial capabilities and transferring state-of-the-art technologies.
Safran shares a robust history with India, with its association spanning nearly seven decades. This long-standing partnership has seen Safran play a critical role in India’s aerospace ecosystem through manufacturing facilities, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations, and Research and Development (R&D) centers. This deep-rooted engagement has positioned Safran as a key ally to India, and the establishment of the new office further demonstrates its unwavering support for India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission. By expanding its office infrastructure, Safran aims to contribute to skill development, foster innovation, and support the localization of cutting-edge aerospace technologies.
During the inauguration, Ambassador Thierry Mathou highlighted the strategic importance of the France-India partnership and the critical role Safran plays in fostering industrial cooperation between the two nations. He praised Safran’s initiatives to build a thriving aerospace ecosystem within India, emphasizing the significance of skill development and capacity building in the Indian workforce. This sentiment resonates deeply, as India’s aerospace industry is a critical driver of economic growth and self-reliance in the defence and civil aviation sectors.
The newly established office is not just an extension of Safran’s operations but also a reflection of its ethos. Designed as a state-of-the-art, sustainable workspace, the facility integrates modern architectural elements with a touch of Indian cultural aesthetics. It boasts energy-efficient features, disability-friendly infrastructure, and intelligent workspaces, reflecting Safran’s global commitment to sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity. Such features demonstrate that Safran is not only dedicated to advancing technology but also to promoting environmentally responsible practices and fostering a progressive work culture.
This expansion of Safran’s footprint in India comes at a pivotal moment when the nation is rapidly positioning itself as a key player in the global aviation and defence sectors. By catering to both civil and military domains, Safran’s enhanced capabilities in India will address the growing demands of the domestic market while advancing collaboration with Indian companies and institutions. This holds immense potential to drive innovation, generate employment, and contribute to India’s economic growth.
JS Gavankar, CEO and Country Head of Safran India, expressed optimism about the company’s continued growth in India. He viewed this expansion as a reaffirmation of Safran’s commitment to supporting India’s vision of indigenization in aerospace and defence manufacturing. Gavankar also expressed hope that this would be just one of many such strategic investments in India’s future.
The inauguration of Safran’s new office in New Delhi embodies the company’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with India. By fostering technology transfer, enabling local manufacturing capabilities, and supporting skill development, Safran is playing a vital role in propelling India’s aerospace aspirations forward. This development also reaffirms the strategic partnership between France and India, underpinned by shared values of innovation, self-reliance, and sustainability. The new office is more than just a physical space; it is a symbol of Safran’s enduring vision of collaboration, growth, and contribution to a self-sufficient India. Ultimately, this move stands as a testament to the transformative potential of international cooperation in shaping the future of one of the world’s most dynamic aerospace markets.
